The doctors of The Hemorrhoids Centers of Los Angeles (with 3 convenient locations in Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach) are asked daily about hemorrhoids. This page is designed to answer the most frequently asked questions our doctor’s are asked.

My visit with Dr. Maz was one of the best I’ve ever experienced! He was very knowledgeable and charismatic. He was able to lighten the mood about my hemorrhoids. I felt totally comfortable having him perform my surgery. I’m very relieved and impressed with the results! His excellent skills resulted in a very clean and scarless outcome! It was very important to me that I had an excellent aesthetic result. I would recommend Dr. Maz to anyone looking for a cosmetic improvement because of the huge difference in appearance. I’ve also now scheduled a colonoscopy with him because I am so confident in his exceptional work! ~ Vitals

What exactly are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are medically called “piles”. There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. Everyone has internal hemorrhoids. People are typically born with three internal hemorrhoids, one on the left and two on the right side Internal hemorrhoids are located just inside the anal canal and help with stool control. When functioning normally, they act like three pillows in the capacity as an air-tight seal preventing incontinence. When they become enlarged or irritated, they can cause pain, bleed, or fall outside the anus (prolapse). Oftentimes, this can lead to the anus going into spasm, which leads to further swelling and pain.

An external hemorrhoid usually presents as a small lump under the skin similar to a blister and occurs external to the anus (if visible). External hemorrhoids are typically not painful but can be very irritating. These hemorrhoids typically settle without surgery, but occasionally when very large, they may require surgery for symptom relief. If a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid, it is called a thrombosed external hemorrhoid and the pain can be sudden and very severe making it to very uncomfortable to sit or to have a bowel movement. Typically, the pain lasts for 72 hours then resolves, however, if the pain persists, it may require surgical removal to obtain symptom relief. Therefore, one should seek treatment from a Proctologist to mitigate the symptoms.

What causes hemorrhoids? Constipation and medical conditions that result in increasing the intra-abnormal pressure or anal pressure may make you a perfect candidate for hemorrhoid formation. Pushing and straining with a bowel movement may also lead to hemorrhoids. For this reason, it is very important to avoid pushing with a bowel movement.

Will it come back after it is removed? For permanent treatment of hemorrhoids, a surgical approach is the most effective. However, it is very important to discontinue to the poor habits that led to the development of the hemorrhoids in the first place as to avoid any recurrence. The doctors of the Hemorrhoids Centers of Los Angeles use the most advanced surgical & painless procedures to treat hemorrhoids.

Several factors are considered to as the causes for hemorrhoids including:

Chronic constipation and diarrhea

Excessive straining during bowel movement

Prolonged sitting

Certain types of food

Stress

Anal intercourse

Chronic cough

Diet which lacks fibrous food

Aging (weak connective tissue in the rectum and anus)

Pregnancy

Heavy lifting

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids? Typical symptoms of external hemorrhoids include pain, itchiness, and irritation to the skin surrounding the anus. Typical symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include painless rectal bleeding and bloody stools. In rare cases, bulging may appear outside the anus, which may include a ruptured blood clot pushing against the skin, causing extreme pain. This is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid. In other cases, the skin around the anal opening may swell and become tender, which is called perianal edema.

Depending on your unique symptoms, the following medical diagnostic tools may be employed; oftentimes an anoscopy may be all that is needed to confirm the diagnosis:

Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is a procedure in which a flexible lighted tube is passed through the anus into the rectum and throughout the colon. The colonoscope helps to view and take pictures of inside of the rectum and colon. If a precancerous growth or polyp is seen, it can be removed immediately during the Colonoscopy.

Sigmoidoscopy: This procedure uses a shorter tube called a sigmoidoscope to view images of the rectum and the sigmoid colon (the lower portion of the colon). If a polyp or abnormal precancerous growth is seen, it can also be removed during this procedure.

Barium Enema X-ray: This procedure involves taking an X-ray after injecting a contrast material called barium into the colon.

Do I need surgery to get rid of my hemorrhoids? Depending on the severity of the symptoms, hemorrhoids are managed either medically or surgically.

If I need surgery will it hurt? No. You will be under anesthesia during surgery.

Please note: Dr. Maz Ghodsian is one of only two practicing Proctology surgeons in California who has completed a residency in Proctology and is a hemorrhoid specialist.

The Hemorrhoids Centers of Los Angeles (Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach) specialize in taking exceptional care of each patient from the initial consultation to the post-recovery period. The honor and privilege of caring for patients comes with the responsibility and dedication of the doctor’s staff to the utmost standard of excellence in patient care and final outcome. As a best in class, top rated Los Angeles Proctologist, Dr. Maz Ghodsian, and his team of specialists provides highly personalized and comprehensive care. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please use the eForm on the right or contact the location closest to you to get started on the road to recovery: